Job Title: Centre Pivot Technician
Department: Irrigation / Technical Services
Location: Mkushi, Central Province, Zambia
Reporting to: Irrigation Manager / Technical Supervisor
Job Type: Full-Time
1. Job Purpose
The Centre Pivot Technician is responsible for the installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of centre pivot irrigation systems, primarily Zimmatic by Lindsay, TL, and other related irrigation equipment. The role ensures optimal performance of irrigation infrastructure to support efficient crop production within commercial farm environments.
2. Key Responsibilities
A. Installation & Commissioning
- Assist in the installation and setup of new centre pivot systems, including structural assembly, electrical wiring, pipework, tower alignment, and control panel configuration.
- Configure and calibrate pivot control systems, safety switches, pressure regulators, end guns, and remote controllers.
- Ensure all installations meet manufacturer standards (Zimmatic, TL, etc.) and farm specifications.
B. Preventive Maintenance
- Conduct routine inspections on centre pivots, pumps, gearboxes, motors, and control panels.
- Lubricate moving components, check droppers/nozzles, and maintain proper tower alignment.
- Inspect and replace worn-out parts such as boots, spiders, U-joints, gearboxes, and sprinkler heads.
- Ensure all electrical components, including star-delta panels, transformers, and wiring, remain in safe working condition.
C. Repairs & Troubleshooting
- Diagnose and repair pivot issues including:
- Misalignment and tower shutdowns
- Electrical faults (faulty contactors, overloads, relays, wiring issues)
- Mechanical breakdowns (gearboxes, motors, couplers)
- Pressure and water flow inconsistencies
- Respond promptly to breakdown calls and ensure minimum irrigation downtime.
D. Water & Irrigation System Management
- Ensure proper water flow, pressure settings, and nozzle packages for uniform irrigation.
- Inspect pump stations, mainlines, valves, and filters for proper operation.
- Coordinate testing of power supply, voltage levels, and pump performance.
E. Safety & Compliance
- Follow all workplace safety procedures and apply strict electrical and mechanical safety standards.
- Comply with Zambian health and safety regulations and farm SOPs.
- Ensure proper lock-out/tag-out procedures during repairs.
F. Documentation & Reporting
- Maintain service logs, breakdown reports, and maintenance checklists for each pivot.
- Report recurring issues to the Irrigation Manager for long-term solutions.
- Keep accurate records of parts used, labour hours, and pending repairs.
G. Support to Operations
- Coordinate with farm managers on irrigation schedules and crop requirements.
- Assist with training seasonal workers or farm staff on basic pivot operation.
- Support calibration of fertigation equipment and chemigation systems where applicable.
3. Qualifications & Experience
- Certificate or Diploma in Electrical, Mechanical, Agricultural Engineering, or related field.
- 2–5 years’ hands-on experience working with centre pivots (Zimmatic, TL, Valley, etc.).
- Strong knowledge of star-delta panels, motor control circuits, and basic electrical troubleshooting.
- Experience working on farms in Mkushi Farm Block or similar commercial agricultural environments is an added advantage.
- Valid driver’s licence is preferred.
4. Competencies & Skills
- Strong mechanical and electrical diagnostic skills.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
- Good understanding of irrigation hydraulics, water pressure, and pump systems.
- Ability to read technical drawings, manuals, and electrical schematics.
- Strong communication skills for interacting with managers and farm operators.
- Ability to work long hours, including weekends, during peak irrigation periods.
5. Personal Attributes
- Hardworking and committed to high-quality service.
- Safety-conscious with careful attention to detail.
- Good problem-solving and decision-making ability.
- Team player with a positive work attitude.
- Resilient and able to work in outdoor, hot, and sometimes rural conditions.
6. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Reduced pivot downtime and faster repair turnaround time.
- Quality and completeness of maintenance checks and documentation.
- Proper functioning of pivots with minimal rework or repeat failures.
- Compliance with safety standards and farm operating procedures.
- Efficient coordination with farm managers and irrigation schedules.
